Colombo South Multi Purpose Co-Operative Society Ltd. v. Co-Operative Employees’ Commission – sllr 1997 volume 2 page 225

In the case between Colombo South Multi-Purpose Co-operative Society Ltd. (Party A) and the Co-operative Employees’ Commission (Party B), the court addressed the legality and procedural validity of Rules 135, 136, and 137 under the Co-operative Employees’ Commission Act concerning disciplinary and appeal proceedings. The challenge focused on whether these rules were ultra vires the enabling statute, and if the procedural mechanism—particularly relying on written submissions without an oral hearing—satisfied natural justice, specifically the audi alteram partem principle. It was held that the rules in question were procedural, did not alter substantive rights, and provided adequate safeguards for a fair hearing under the Act. The court affirmed the convictions and dismissed the appeal, emph